1) What is GMRA?

The General Motors Retirees Association (GMRA) is a not-for-profit advocacy organization for GM retirees. Its purpose and organization are similar to those of the retiree associations at Ford, Chrysler and Delphi.GMRA works closely with the National Retiree Legislative Network – a Washington DC-based affiliation of retiree organizations and individual members who have retired from 114 different U.S. companies and public entities. NRLN works toward protecting retiree rights through legislative reform.

2) Why was the GMRA started? When?

GMRA was organized in 2009 in response to the financial events affecting General Motors business viability. GMRA’s founders recognized that GM retirees needed to unite to represent the interests of retirees during GM’s bankruptcy reorganization and beyond.

3) How many members does GMRA have?

Thousands of GM retirees have become members of GMRA. GMRA does not disclose specifics on its membership.

4) What is the total number of GM’s salaried retiree base in the U.S.?

According to GM information, there are more than 130,341 receiving retirement benefits.

5) How much is a GMRA membership?

For 2010, the annual dues contribution is $25 per person, for a membership that is valid from April 2010 through March 2011.

6) Many GM retirees are already economically challenged given the significant cost for benefits. Why does GMRA charge for membership?

GMRA is a not-for-profit organization and, as such, the GMRA Board is committed to disciplined use of all funds. The largest portion of member contributions goes into the legal defense fund, with the rest being used for administrative costs including member communications, mailings, website maintenance and contributions toward White Paper development, a costly first-step toward introducing new legislation into House Bills. Also, as an Association Member of the NRLN, GMRA makes an annual contribution to NRLN based on GMRA membership numbers. As a result, a membership in GMRA also confers a complimentary membership in the NRLN.

7) How are membership dues used? What do I get for my contribution?

The largest portion of member contributions goes into the legal action fund. The remainder is directed to administrative costs including member communications, mailings, website maintenance and support for NRLN White Paper development – a detailed argument on specific legislative issues and policies that represents a first-step toward introducing a new bill into the House.

Also, GMRA is an Association Member of NRLN and as such makes an annual contribution to NRLN for an associate membership with NRLN on behalf of each GMRA member.

Members in “goodstanding” receive important news alerts and exclusive information concerning GM actions, benefit change and pension issues/changes that are of high interest to GM retirees.

8) How does NRLN assist GMRA in its mission?

GMRA works closely with the NRLN and other industry groups to represent GM retiree interests in the political arena. With start-up assistance from the NRLN, GMRA built a significant membership base in a very short period of time. More information on the NRLN’s mission and actions on behalf of retirees can be found at www.nrln.org.

9) Did the NRLN provide financial assistance to start-up GMRA?

No. NRLN contributed to GMRA start-up with counsel and website development support.

10) How does GMRA benefit from the NRLN affiliation/membership?

Joining forces with retirees from 114 other employers and 24 retiree associations gives us a stronger voice and added leverage to pursue legislative reforms that will protect retiree pensions and benefits, Social Security and Medicare.

In addition, GMRA utilizes the NRLNs website for production and distribution of email messages on important retiree issues.

More information about the NRLN’s mission and actions on behalf of retirees can be found at www.nrln.org.

11) How does the NRLN lobby Congress?

Based in Washington, DC, the NRLN is a non-partisan, grassroots coalition representing more than 2 million retirees. It is the only nationwide organization solely dedicated to representing the interests of retirees and future retirees.

Formed in 2002, the NRLN’s endeavors to secure federal legislation to protect retirees’ employer-sponsored pensions and benefits in addition to keeping Social Security and Medicare strong.

While big business and trade associations spend billions in their efforts to gain favor with members of Congress, the NRLN does not make campaign contributions, purchase meals, sponsor junkets, etc. NRLN lobbying is done by its staff and grassroots members (like yourself) who communicate and meet with elected representatives. This method of advocacy is working.